Moeen Ali will attempt to spearhead England's victory push in the rain-affected fifth ODI against Sri Lanka in Pallekele tomorrow (Thursday) after again admitting: "I love batting at the top of the order."

England will set off in pursuit of a 240 target after rain washed out the first day's play at the conclusion of the Sri Lankan innings.

The Worcestershire all-rounder has had scores of 119, two, 58 and 19 going in first alongside skipper Alastair Cook and, when he was suspended, Alex Hales.

Moeen, who opened in his first three ODIs in the West Indies, said: "I love batting at the top of the order. It feels more natural for my style of play.

"I felt watching England play that I could make a difference, be something a little bit different, going and playing shots and enjoying hitting the white ball.

"I always try and look for the boundary option first. It's always in the back of my mind. I think I play my best on instinct.

"I do try and take the positive option first."

Moeen bowled his 10 overs for 50 runs in spells of one, seven and two overs after Sri Lanka had been put into bat.

He came into the attack for the eighth over and conceded two wides in an opening over costing eight runs.

Moeen returned at 77-3 after17 overs and bowled a seven over spell which yielded only 26 runs.

But his final two overs went for 17 runs after he entered the action for a third spell at 165-4 off 39 overs.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 239 in 49 overs with Chris Woakes taking six wickets.